DEAN Russ fell six runs short of a century as Footscray/Edgewater posted a first innings total of 210 against Geelong in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition on Saturday.
Needing a win to stay in touch with the leading pack, the Bulldogs won the toss and batted, starting brilliantly before a flurry of wickets in the middle order kept Geelong in contention.
Russ combined with fellow opener Stuart Brohaska to put on 73 in a vital firstwicket stand, before Brohaska was caught off the bowling of Luke Muller for 39.
Footscray/Edgewater was still in control with Russ at the crease, but the Bulldogs lost five wickets for just 19 runs, going from 2/81 to 7/165 before finally being dismissed for 210.
Muller ended the innings with figures of 3/61, while teammate Blair Allan also snared three wickets, including the prized scalp of Russ for 94.
Geelong faced 21 overs before the close of play and the Bulldogs got off to the perfect start when Andrew McCammond trapped Muller lbw for no score.
Shaun Dean (17 not out) and Aaron Maynard (31 not out) remained at the crease with the score at 1/48, Geelong needing a further 162 runs to win when play resumes this Saturday at Geelong Cricket Ground.
